EDITOR:

Fran Majestic’s letter of 6/25 recognizes “all voters … have the opportunity to decide the party’s candidates (and) to build party unity…” Admirable and responsible. However, she does not mention that not all candidates are “responsible” or at least ethical in their stated party affiliations. Interesting how commissioners Malnar and Viau missed the sentiment and demonstrated little, if any support for their fellow Republican commissioners in vital votes. Party unity?

It is generally accepted that a party member demonstrates loyalty to the philosophy and basic tenets that define that party. The Republican party supports small government, lower taxes, equal opportunities, respect for the expression of all views and consistency in ethical actions. “Jumping” parties purely for political reasons violate that last principle. This is the case with Candidates Matthew Jensen and John Malnar, both of whom have run unsuccessfully as Democrats in previous elections. Matt Jensen, it seems has the support of Kelli Van Gin Hoven, even though he is running as a Republican. “Party unity” Ms. Majestic? Where do their true loyalties lie, and how are the voters to believe them?

Another indicator of party loyalty and unity is for candidates to attend scheduled meetings, participate in activities, volunteer time and effort for party activities and generally comport themselves as representative of party ideals. John Malnar has not made a Republican Party meeting since his election. A search for the name Matt Jensen in party records showed no results. Other “absentee” Republicans on the ballot include Elizabeth Moberg for clerk and register of deeds as well as Christine Williams in Bark River. Where were these folks when “party unity” was called for? Sorry… I got nothin’.

This is what we are faced with in the upcoming primary election. How do we determine the validity of a “claimed” party when even the candidates cannot make up their minds? Perhaps some assistance from the “Ethical Leadership Group” can offer some guidance as they supposedly did prior to the recall. Not holding my breath.

While dishonesty is not illegal, it truly strains ethical standards. Pretending to represent the values and philosophy of a group just to falsely gain power truly dishonors the whole democratic process.

Some final thoughts; Myra Croasdell is running as an independent, which means she is not beholding to any set of principles and may go as the wind blows. I haven’t heard how she intends to demonstrate her independence from the Band of Merry Pranksters that generated a recall in which only a select portion of the county was able to vote. Fran Majestic is on the ballot as a Democrat delegate to the county convention. Full disclosure, I and my wife Sara are now write-in candidates for the Republican delegates for the county convention for Nahma. Oh… and Kelli VanGinhoven is running as a Democrat… At least that shoe fits.

Disclaimer: The opinions of Michael Glass do not necessarily represent the views of the Delta Co. Republican Party.

Michael A. Glass

Nahma